So I posted about a year ago now about how I planned to have a 15k wedding in Chicago. I received A LOT of responses from people saying that i was bragging about something I hadn't even pulled off yet and they would give me kudos once I actually did it. Well, I am proud to stand here today, with everything paid off for my wedding taking place in 2 weeks, and say that I (almost) FREAKING DID IT!!!!!!!!! A Chicago wedding for 103 people for 16k. I did everything myself and I feel so freaking proud I just can't even believe it!
I am here to tell you that IT CAN BE DONE. You can have an incredible city wedding for under 20k with room to spare. There may be a couple small ticket items missing, but this is how I did it:
Venue - $1,250
Room 1520 - I saved money by getting married on a Wednesday. It's the day before the 4th of July, so I knew everyone had off the next day and mostly everyone gets off early on the 3rd. The venue fee was $1,500, and I will get $250 back if we don't damage anything. Ceremony is on site, catering staff will flip the room. They also have an incredible bridal suite and a picturesque rooftop for photos.
Booze - $3,090
The venue provides 2 bartenders and has their own alcohol in house. I chose the lowest open bar package which comes out to $27 per person for 5 hours of open bar.
Catering - $8,000
We went with Cocina Fusion and are doing 3 passed apps and a taco bar buffet for dinner. My fiance and his family are Mexican so this was perfect for us. This total also includes a 1k tip.
Dress/Suit - $600
I got my dress on sale from BHLDN and had my aunt do alterations. Got shoes from Davids Bridal. Got my sash off of poshmark. Was gifted a necklace to wear. FH got his suit and shoes from TheBlackTux.com.
Photography - $900
I found him on Thumbtack. Had great knot reviews and i liked his instagram photos. TBD if this was a good choice.
DJ - $800
I went to two weddings in Wisconsin and they both had the same DJ, local guy that does it on the weekends. Very basic setup, he has a speaker system. mic, and computer. We are making the playlist.
Save the Dates/Invitations - $200
We waited for sales on Vista Print and did online only RSVP. Stamp cost included.
Floral - $650
We got the 4 ft arrangment for our arch, boutineers, and corsages from Ashland Addison Florist. I am getting white hydrangeas from jewel and eucalyptus from etsy which we will use for centerpieces and bouqets that we are making ourselves. I also bought 2 inch succulents for guest gifts that will be in tiny Chinese takeout boxes that I got from ULINE. The guest names and table numbers are written on the boxes.
Beauty - $300
I found a girl and her sister on The Knot. My hair and makeup ar $85 each, plus $50 travel fee. I bought a groupon for a Mani/Pedi.
Rings - $20
We got replicas of the rings we want from Amazon. On our one year anniversary we will buy the real ones.
Other decor - Free
I had a lot of friends and family get married in the past year and they have been giving me leftover candles and vases from their wedding. Also, my family owns a thrift store so I was able to get some small items from there.
Hotel - $150
Marriage Licence- $60
